Lucius Veras is the son of Lucilla, nephew of Commodus and grandson of Marcus Aurelius. He is also heir to the throne of the Roman Empire. Commodus threatens his health to keep his sister Lucilla from plotting against him. Lucius comes to admire Maximus in the Coliseum, much to Commodus' annoyance. His presence in the film also teases the idea that Maximus might reunite with his past love Lucilla and take on another family to replace the one that was killed by Commodus.